The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

TEAM Bahamas had a pair of difficult outings in international friendlies at the Copa Deportes Nacion last weekend.

In an effort to elevate their training ahead of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships, the Bahamas men’s national beach soccer team faced off against a pair of elite sides.

The Bahamas lost both matches to Mexico and host country Argentina at the series of exhibitions in Mar del Plata in Argentina as they continue their preparation.

In game one, the Bahamas lost 3-2 to Mexico, followed by a 6-1 loss to Argentina.

Mexico is ranked No.15 in the latest edition of the Beach Soccer Worldwide rankings and is the top ranked team in CONCACAF, while Argentina is ranked No.17 and third in CONMEBOL.

In the finale, Argentina defeated Mexico 4-3.

The players selected to represent the team in Argentina included Ivan Rolle (goalkeeper), Valin Bodie (goalkeeper), Nesley Jean, Kyle Williams, Tim Munnings, Gary Joseph, Lesley St Fleur, Gavin Christie, Dwayne Forbes and Alex Thompson. They will be coached by Alexandre Soares, assisted by Stephen Bellot.

Last summer, The Bahamas also travelled to Europe for a six-week training camp and a series of tournaments.

They recorded several marquee wins during that stretch, highlighted by a 5-4 win over the No.15 ranked United States. It was the Bahamas’ first beach soccer win over the U.S in the country’s history.

While in Europe, Team Bahamas also secured victories against Estonia and No.5 ranked beach soccer powerhouse Tahiti.

They also tested their mettle against Lazio Beach Soccer, third place finishers at the US Beach Soccer Championships.